Michelle A Banks
Chief Officer
Atlanta,GA
Summary
- Results-driven management professional with over 30 years retail and customer service experience prepared to excel in high-demand environments. Known for optimizing operations, enhancing customer experience, and implementing strategic initiatives. Emphasizes team collaboration and adaptability to meet evolving business needs. Highly proficient in operational management and strategic planning.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Inclusion & Belonging Officer
Kohl's Corporation
05.2021 - Current
- Created and Lead overarching corporate DEI/Inclusion strategy in alignment with and reporting to Kohl's CEO and in partnership with executive leadership aligned with business goals.
- Set measurable goals and KPIs for inclusion and belonging outcomes.
- Spearhead training and development programs, and oversee DEI task forces and governance bodies.
- Influence C-suite and board-level discussions on inclusive leadership, culture, and systemic change and championing organizational shifts to move beyond compliance to deep cultural transformation.
- Guide programs and policies that promote psychological safety, team trust, and inclusive practices at all levels.
- Oversee and support 8 Business/Employee Resource Groups.
- Partner with HR on inclusive talent practices: onboarding, retention, career progression, and mentorship.
- Lead enterprise-wide inclusion, bias-awareness, and cultural competency training and developed tools for inclusive leadership, conflict resolution, and allyship.
- Use employee engagement surveys, DEI dashboards, and workforce analytics to assess progress. Report results to executive leadership and boards, and adjust strategy based on insights.
- Align internal inclusion efforts with external brand identity, marketing, and corporate social responsibility.
- Engage in community partnerships and supplier diversity programs.
Senior Vice President & Territory Manager, Southeast Region
Kohl's Corporation
05.2020 - 05.2021
- Managed operations, staffing, P&L, and growth strategy across nearly 200 stores when promoted into Chief Diversity Officer.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive business strategies aligning with corporate objectives.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize resource allocation and project execution.
- Mentored senior leadership team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
- Established performance metrics to monitor progress towards strategic goals effectively.
- Directed high-level negotiations with key stakeholders, strengthening partnerships and driving revenue growth.
Vice President Regional Manager
Kohl's
09.2018 - 03.2020
- Developed strategic initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency across multiple departments.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve business processes and drive organizational change.
- Analyzed market trends to inform product development and positioning strategies.
- Implemented performance metrics to monitor progress and ensure alignment with corporate goals.
- Fostered relationships with key stakeholders to support project objectives and enhance communication channels.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
Vice President District Manager
Kohl's
06.2010 - 09.2018
- Delivered strong financial performance despite challenging economic conditions by executing prudent risk management strategies throughout all aspects of business operations.
- District "test market" for new company initiatives and brands.
- #1 District in company in 2014 with numerous ascending awards.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth across the organization.
- Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
- Enhanced company profitability by implementing strategic business plans and optimizing operational processes.
- Built high-performance teams through effective recruitment practices focused on competency alignment coupled with ongoing performance management processes.
- Championed talent development programs, promoting employee engagement and retention while enhancing overall workforce capabilities.
District Manager
DSW Shoes
2006 - 06.2010
- Responsible for Driving results of a $57 million dollar District of 9 stores.
- Assigned to New Store Opening Team after 1st opening.
- Assigned to Company “Values” Committee
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments, adaptable.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Organized, detail-oriented, critical thinker with a strong work ethic.
Store, District, Regional, Territory Manager
Marshall Field's, Donna Karan, Gap Inc
1992 - 2005
- Driver of sales, strong operational execution. Developed and implemented regional sales strategies to enhance market penetration. Managed and collaborate with key clients and associate to meet sales objectives.
Education
Associate of Science - Architecture
Western Illinois University
Macomb, ILNo Degree - Accounting And Finance
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RISkills
- Strategic Leadership & DEI Programming: Architected Kohl’s inclusion strategy across people, customers, and community, including expanding supplier-diversity programs
- Change Management: Successfully transitioned from SVP of Southeast territory (managing 200 stores) into a corporate Chief DEI leadership role
- Cross-Functional Influence: Collaborates with HR, merchandising, store ops, and brand teams to ensure inclusivity is integrated company-wide Targeted efforts like evergreen diverse product and marketing strategies
- Community & BRG Engagement: Scaling engagement across 10,000 associates via BRGs; curated and supported mentorship programs and targeted efforts such as evergreen volunteer programming and amplification of BRG influence in product and marketing efforts
- Voice of Kohl's for applicable public speaking engagements
Accomplishments
- Elevated DEI efforts to holistic inclusion & belonging, renaming corporate roles and broadening scope in 2025.
- Drove launch of Sonoma Community sub-brand and enriched Hispanic community outreach and scholarship programs.
- Governed and scaled associate impact via eight BRGs and mentorship initiatives such as M.I.N.D.
Affiliations
- Member – CHIEF, National Network of Women Executives 2024 – Present
- Selected to join CHIEF, a private membership network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leaders.
- Engage in curated programming, peer learning groups, and strategic workshops to enhance executive impact and foster leadership development.
- Participate in high-level discussions on corporate governance, DEI, and organizational strategy with C-suite peers across industries.
Contact & Online Presence
- LinkedIn: Senior leader at Kohl's; posts on Juneteenth and I&B engagements
- Corporate Bio: Listed on Kohl's leadership page
Awards
Numerous awards from #1 district at Kohl's to #1 in customer service.
Timeline
Chief Inclusion & Belonging Officer
Kohl's Corporation
05.2021 - Current
Senior Vice President & Territory Manager, Southeast Region
Kohl's Corporation
05.2020 - 05.2021
Vice President Regional Manager
Kohl's
09.2018 - 03.2020
Vice President District Manager
Kohl's
06.2010 - 09.2018
District Manager
DSW Shoes
2006 - 06.2010
Store, District, Regional, Territory Manager
Marshall Field's, Donna Karan, Gap Inc
1992 - 2005
Associate of Science - Architecture
Western Illinois University
No Degree - Accounting And Finance
Johnson & Wales University
Similar Profiles
HALEY SCHNEEMANHALEY SCHNEEMAN
PRODUCT MANAGER at KOHL'S CORPORATIONPRODUCT MANAGER at KOHL'S CORPORATION
Sydney FarrSydney Farr
Senior Manager of Technical Services - Logistics at Kohl's CorporationSenior Manager of Technical Services - Logistics at Kohl's Corporation
Vince TylkeVince Tylke
Senior Field Service Engineer at Scientific Research CorporationSenior Field Service Engineer at Scientific Research Corporation
Moziah DavisMoziah Davis
Transmission Analyst at Georgia PowerTransmission Analyst at Georgia Power
Matthew RyanMatthew Ryan
Regional Sales Manager- East at Assa Abloy Americas Residential / Spectrum BrandsRegional Sales Manager- East at Assa Abloy Americas Residential / Spectrum Brands